Project objectives

We are currently investigating possible solutions to resolve the issues surrounding the river and lakes, while exploring other opportunities to create a better place for people and wildlife. Our project objectives are that:

The River Ver through St Albans achieves Good Ecological Status under the Water Framework Directive

The River Ver has played a very important role in the history of St Albans. Over the last 2000 years the river has been altered for industry, flood risk reduction, amenity and recreation. These alterations, such as changes to the channel location, shape and form, have degraded the natural river habitats and limited the wildlife that it can support.

As a result, the River Ver through St Albans does not currently achieve Good Ecological Status and lacks the habitats, key features and associated wildlife of a healthy chalk stream.

The issues with Verulamium Park lakes are addressed and they are improved for people and wildlife.

The ornamental lakes in Verulamium Park are fed by the River Ver. They suffer from a range of issues including poor water quality, siltation and excessive numbers of wild fowl. As a result, algal blooms and reduced oxygen levels in the water have occurred which have a negative impact on wildlife, and are likely to have contributed to outbreaks of avian botulism.

The areas around the river and lakes are improved

There is an opportunity to improve the wider river areas for people and wildlife. This is particularly important because of planned groundwater abstraction reductions in the coming years. This will mean that groundwater will return to more natural levels in some areas which may be wetter more often as a result. This presents a risk to some existing land uses and an opportunity for wetland habitat creation and associated amenity benefits.

All of the solutions must be feasible, sustainable and provide value for money.

The project is split into six reaches, each with their own issues. For more detail on each of the six reaches please visit the Project Area page.